Ofgem says from July UK electricity price rises will lag gas price increases, unlike during energy crisis

Conference Board May Consumer Confidence -0.7 To 93.1; Present Conditions -3.2 To 121.2; Expectations Up To 74.4; Fuel-Price Spike After Iran Conflict Weighs On Low-Income Households

Japan 40-year govt bond auction draws strong demand; BID-COVER RATIO 2.70 vs 2.54 prior and 12-month avg 2.47; winning yield 3.84% vs 3.6% prior; 40-year yield 4.09%, below this month's 4.355% peak. TAKAICHI says government will fund supplementary budget without increasing calendar-year govt bond issuance, easing supply concerns. KATAYAMA says about $3.2 bln of contingency funds will be used this fiscal year to subsidize utility spending.